Located at the end of the paved road that goes north off the frontage road before the turn around to Artisanos in El Tezal is El Huerto Farm to Table. This restaurant has a full farm and lots of areas to explore before being seated for breakfast, lunch or dinner. There is a nice seating area just inside the front entry, a large green area with corn hole games, and even a children’s play area at the back of the restaurant. If your children like old tractors, there are several on display. The seating areas of the restaurant are extensive, with both tables under cover and tables in a large patio overlooking the farm. Arriving to check in for your reservation, the first thing that you see is a very large cactus beside the check in desk with the covered dining area behind it. Entering the restaurant, another tractor is on display along with a wall of wine in a glass storage area. Along the left wall is the bar, the kitchen, the grill, and a pizza oven to provide all of the interesting food served at El Huerto.

We were lucky enough to be asked to join our friends Andy and Melissa, their twin sons and extended family. Our table at the back of the covered area of the restaurant sat 10 people along with the three-year-old twins (who were frequently off playing in the children’s area). El Huerto has a special Farm to Glass cocktail when which several of the group chose to sample. Andy ordered a series of the very interesting pizzas as an appetizer for the table. The slices were cut in half so that everyone could try several of the different choices – avocado, beef and chorizo, prosciutto and burrata, margherita, and a plain cheese for the boys. Everyone remarked that these were some of the best pizzas that they had ever had.

The choice of main courses also ranged all over the menu. From the mother and two daughters sharing vegetarian items – grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, and sautéed carrots, to Grilled Octopus, Totoaba Fish, Grilled NY Prime, Fresh Homemade Pappardelle, East Asian Mussels Skillet, and a special seafood bowl. The conversation slowed down as everyone enjoyed their meals and there was lots of sharing and tasting around the table.

There was so much food, especially with the four pizzas as an appetizer that everyone was too full for dessert. The flavors were excellent, the portion sizes large and the service was very good.

Thank you, Andy and Melissa for the great meal and happy anniversary.